09/09/2024
Harmony Module 1 Individual Work:
There are three (3) tasks. The purpose is to provide a greater contextual understanding of our divine calling, mission and principles, as well as the church as a system that can be used to oppress.
Spend time praying with Doctrine and Covenants 161:3.
a. Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all.
b. Do not be fearful of one another. Respect each life journey, even in its brokenness and uncertainty, for each person has walked alone at times. Be ready to listen and slow to criticize, lest judgments be unrighteous and un-redemptive.
c. Be patient with one another, for creating sacred community is arduous and even painful. But it is to loving community such as this that each is called. Be courageous and visionary, believing in the power of just a few vibrant witnesses to transform the world. Be assured that love will overcome the voices of fear, division, and deceit.
d. Understand that the road to transformation travels both inward and outward. The road to transformation is the path of the disciple.
Read the Enduring Principles Unity in Diversity and Blessings of Community:
Unity in Diversity
Community of Christ is a diverse, international family of disciples, seekers, and congregations.
Local and worldwide ministries are interdependent and important to the church’s mission.
The church embraces diversity and unity through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We seek agreement or common consent in important matters. If we cannot achieve agreement, we commit to ongoing dialogue and lovingly uphold our common faith in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.
We confess that our lack of agreement on certain matters is hurtful to some of God's beloved children and creation.
Blessings of Community
The gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and each other.
True community includes compassion for and solidarity with the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
True community upholds the worth of persons while providing a healthy alternative to self-centeredness, isolation, and conformity.
Sacred community provides nurture and growth opportunities for all people, especially those who cannot fully care for themselves.
We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another—even if we never have met.
Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.
We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation.
(FREE) Watch the Out of Order documentary: http://www.outoforderdoc.com.
About the film:
Out of Order is a groundbreaking feature documentary revealing the complex and painful struggles faced by le***an, gay, bisexual, transgender and Q***r (LGBTQIA2S+) faith leaders as they confront entrenched bigotry and work to build loving support within their churches.
Many Q***r individuals have quickly learned that rule changes don’t guarantee true welcome in their churches.
In spite of growing fear and suspicion toward Q***r individuals, and transgender people in particular, a new kind of spiritual leader and movement for welcome is beginning the delicate work of winning acceptance beyond the wedding chapel.
The leaders of this movement are young Q***r people of faith claiming a place in their church pulpits — and recognition in the everyday moments of church life.
The film draws timely attention to the joyful experiences and complex struggles of Q***r young people, the need for greater awareness and understanding of bisexuality, and the growing visibility of transgender individuals, offering a unique perspective on a trans person of faith.
Out of Order offers audiences a glimpse into what it looks like to navigate the reality of gender transition and lived sexual identity as a person of faith.
Send a message to learn more
